Four years before having Jackson, I made the bold decision to quit my day job to work full-time on Caitlin Flemming Design and Sacramento Street. I have never looked back. I love being able to determine my own destiny and use my creativity in a variety of ways each and everyday. That being said, when Jackson was born, my priorities completely changed. I knew there would be a shift but not this big. I was now responsible for the well-being of this perfect angel, and that has taken precedence ever since he was born. I was able to take three months off from work when Jackson was born. Now this wasn’t a normal maternity leave where I dropped everything. I promised myself I would take a month off from it all – work, emails, you name it. After that I slowly came out of the 5 – 6 week new motherhood haze and worked on small tasks – keeping up on emailing clients, working on scheduling fun partnerships for when I fully went back to work in March. This gave me three months with Jackson. Being able to spend that time with him is something I will always cherish. I was also able to adjust to the lack of sleep and figure out how we were going to do this thing called parenthood. One thing I’m grateful I did during this time was bond with other mothers that were going through the same dilemmas about going back to work. I realized that in the end it was all going to be about trial and error. That’s kind of what this parenting gig is all about. When I knew it was time to return to work I felt apprehensive and nervous about someone else taking care of my son. I quickly realized that for me, having a nanny was going to work better than daycare. Since I work out of my home, I thought that being able to see Jackson throughout the day would make the transition easier and we wanted to bring him up in a house where we spoke two languages. As it’s turned out, it was the perfect decision. I get to see him all of the time, but my nanny (whom we love as a member of our family) keeps him busy with trips to museums, music classes, messy play and constant visits to the park. She’s a saint and I can tell you that without her I’m not sure what I would do. She’s enabled me to go into my workday worry-free because I know that they are going to have a blast doing their own thing. Now, there is always going to be a part of me that would love to be a stay at home mom and enjoy every single moment with him, but that’s just not feasible financially. And at the end of the day, I have found I’m much more productive in my work because I know I have less time to devote to it than before having a baby. I work hard and when I’m finished I can feel free to play with him as much as I want. It’s not easy, but I wouldn’t trade any single part of it! Also, be sure to check out the rest of the Real Talk, Real Moms posts. I’m headed over now to take in all of their knowledge – I’ve linked to them below. Apartment 34 | The Effortless Chic | A Daily Something | Could I Have That | Parker Etc Sarah Sherman Samuel | Our Style Stories | Ave Styles | The Refined Woman Photos by Delbarr Moradi from our family holiday shoot #lifestyle

Before the holiday we took a trip to Portland, Oregon for Jackson’s baptism and to visit our family. We usually stay with family members but because there were so many friends and family coming for the occasion, we stayed at a hotel downtown. Being my hometown, I had never actually stayed in hotel there. We chose The Vintage Hotel for its location.  Centrally located, you can walk just about anywhere!  I had stayed at Kimpton Hotels before, and the hotel and our room did not disappoint.  We were on the top floor and the minute I walked in I was blown away by the view we had of the city. The windows wrapped up into the ceiling and we could see the city scape from every angle. In addition to our sleeping area, there was a calm and comfortable sitting area that we would hang out in while Jackson took his naps.  The adjacent restaurant – Pazzo Restaurante – was delicious. Breakfast was perfect and the evening meals were savory Italian. If you are planning a visit to Portland, consider a stay at The Vintage Hotel – you’ll love it.  Here are a few of my other places to be sure not to miss: Alder & Co. has long been a favorite home store for me. Stunning candlesticks, dinnerware, jewelry, and clothing await you here. I always find a multitude of things to buy. This time I bought bells, a cookbook, and handmade dishes. This was a first visit to: Paadee, a delicious Thai restaurant in Laurelhurst. Everything was so fresh and mouthwatering! Oven & Shaker had one of the best kale salads I’ve ever had.  They also have croquets and pizza that won’t disappoint. Blue Star Donut on 23rd Street is worth the wait in the long line. They bring donuts to a new level. I hope you have a chance to visit and enjoy Portland soon. It is a city full of wonder. #travel

This week has been a perfect re-entry into the work world. After going on a bit of a pause for the holidays it was a welcomed treat to come back full guns blazing on Monday morning. My inbox was quite a doozy to catch up on and I had mountains of work to get through, but all in all it’s worth it to have the time to re-charge and feel passionate when I started work again. I certainly crossed a ton off my never ending to-do list. And I now have a new found system thanks to Camille. Cheers to surviving the first week of 2016 – and enjoy a little snapshot at what my week looked like. #lifestyle

I’ve been following the journey of Bryr clogs for over a year and been intrigued by these beautiful handmade clogs. Founded by Isobel Schofield and handmade in the heart of San Francisco, I’ve been in awe at how quickly Bryr has grown and excited to see that they opened a workspace in the Dogpatch. Since I’m one of those gals that loves trying on shoes in person, I jumped at the chance to enter clog heaven to find that perfect pair. When Isobel and her team walked me through the entire process from the leather, to the stapling, which Isobel still to this day does all on her own – I fell more in love with this incredible company. I can 100% say that each pair of Bryr clogs that are produced is made with lots of love. Below you’ll hear more about this wonderful SF company and get a glimpse into their studio and store. After working for a number of years in the fashion industry, what were your motivations behind starting your own endeavor? ​After years of working towards a career goal, when I ​actually reached​ that place​, I found that something was missing. I was no longer actually designing and making, but instead managing ​a process​. I felt very disconnected ​and far away from what originally brought me to design.​ My hands itched to actually make something again and so I took a evening wheel​-​throwing ceramics course at a local pottery studio. It was like a light bulb turned on. ​I found that f​or me, happiness came through the flow of making. From that moment on, I worked towards building a ​practice​​ that would l​et​ me tap into that ​flow.​ How have your perspectives or philosophies evolved as you’ve transitioned from working for the industry to working for yourself? It took me a long time to trust my gut. I used to think that there was a ‘right’ way to do things, and I had to just find or learn the proper way. Now I know there’s many ways to solve a puzzle. Maybe it’s a lady-boss way of thinking, but learning to trust my feelings and gut has been one of the biggest most important lessons I’ve learned.​ That, and pushing through fear. There’s a special story of coincidence behind your studio space. Tell us a bit about the history of that. It’s a bit of a crazy story. I’d very literally grown out of my home studio workspace (the kitchen had become our shipping area and there were boxes lining the hallways!) I was pretty scared to take the next step of renting a space, but I knew it was time. I called around to some buildings in San Francisco, and reached out to the iconic American Industrial Center in Dogpatch. I chatted for a while to the guy on the phone, telling in a little bit about ​BRYR and what I was looking for. He said that though there was nothing available right now, would call me in about 9 months. Then he paused, and added enigmatically, “but maybe sooner”. ​He called me ​back ​about 10 minutes later. Turns out the building is Third​-​generation family ​business, and that in the 1970’s the family ran a clog factory out of the building. ​ Clogs!!! ​The owner, Greg, grew up working at his Dad’s clog factory. ​They don’t make clogs any more (it closed down in the mid 1980’s) but he now frequently pops in and talks shop with me; chatting about the best way to finish a style, or tools that you can only find these days on Ebay. For him, it’s nostalgia, but for me he’s always giving me a helpful tip. You have such a lovely and talented team working alongside of you. Tell us a bit about the working culture of your studio. We have a lot of fun in studio. Funnily enough, I think like​-​mind​ed people​ are drawn together, and my team is made up of artists who are happier working through their hands than ​on a computer screen.​ ​Right now, each one of us each touch every single pair that leaves the studio; whether it be cutting, finishing, stapling or packing. It’s really important to me to create and support an open, positive and “un-fashion” environment, not just for my team but also for visitors to the shop. I think people can feel that when they come in. We love what we make and do, and we love sharing ​what we make​ with people.​ Coming back to California after 5 years away, it’s a real change in attitude and I love that San Francisco is about openness and innovation. The process behind the making making a pair of BRYR clogs is rather fascinating from an outsider’s perspective. What’s your favorite part of making a pair of shoes? My favorite moment is when it goes from ​pieces; flat leather, wood bases, ​buckles ​and BECOME​S​ a shoe. It’s a little bit of a magical moment for me, even now after making hundreds of pairs. ​When I made my first pair of clogs, I jumped up and down with joy. There’s still some of that joy in every pair I make. What’s your vision for the future (or part of your vision­­ as we know that’s a rather broad question)? ​We’ve only been in the space in Dogpatch for 6 months, and the time has flown by! Last weekend we opened our doors for our first open studio, and we’ll be open every Friday and Saturday until Christmas. A huge thank you to the entire Bryr Studio team for having us share their workspace. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for you in 2016! Shop the Featured Shoes: Miranda Felt Peep Toe | Chloe Peep Toe Mule in Calf Hair (coming Spring 2016) | Penny Knot Clog | Ingrid Bootie | Camilla Clog Photos by Ali Hartwell for Sacramento Street #lifestyle #style

Every year after the holidays I’m just itching to give my house a complete refresh – from the closets, to bookshelves, to just about every surface I can lay my hands on. This year, I went a little OCD with it all. Maybe it’s because I didn’t get to do it last year because we had a newborn, but it was nice to actually have the time go through everything. Here are some helpful tips that got me through freshening up my home in the new year: Let the purging begin. There is nothing I love more than purging, cleaning and organizing my house to start the year off right. Although you may make a mess before it gets tidy, it’s well worth it in the end. Consider re-arranging your furniture. I’m constantly thinking about new layouts for each room or switching one chair from one room to the next. It gives the home a fresh new look, but you don’t have to make any new investments. Touching up the bookshelves. One of my favorite things to do. Re-styling your bookshelves, coffee tables or really any surface, can highlight items you’ve had for years in a fresh new way. Sometimes it can be a bit challenging but just remember to edit, edit, edit if it’s feeling too busy. You can also follow my guide here. Add greenery. Now that your tree is out of the house and decorations are packed away for next year, it’s time to go to your local nursery for some fresh greenery. Pick up a few plants for around the house to bring in new life. It’s such a simple thing to do but makes all the difference. Mix up your pillows. Pillows are the easiest way to makeover a space. If you feel like your living room needs some updating, try adding a fun new pillow to the mix. You’ll be surprised how much of an impact it will make. Have any of you done a refresh for the new year? Photos of my bookshelf refresh. #interiors

There is a sense of excitement as the year closes out and we ring in a new year. I always spend the week between Christmas and New Year’s clearing out the clutter of my home and looking at things with fresh eyes. This year was so special for me – having a new little one in our family brought a change of perspective on what matters in my life. That being said, I need to thank my readers for sticking with me – even when I posted very sparingly for the first few months of the year. I continue to have a full heart and appreciate the life I have beyond words. I anticipate some new and exciting projects in 2016 and look forward to diving head first into them in 2016! I hope all of you have a safe and happy holiday and that 2016 brings you happiness, love, and prosperity. Until next year, dear friends! Baker Street Project by Caitlin Flemming Design (project will be reveal soon!) Photos taken by Suzanna Scott #lifestyle

In my family, we take stocking stuffers very seriously! I spend the entire year trying to find the perfect little items for each member of my family. We also wrap each item in tissue paper and they usually spill out onto the floor. I’ve compiled a few ideas for your stockings – everything from my favorite hand lotion, to a tassel key chain. I always try to really think hard about what a person would want. Of course, yummy candy is the final touch for any stocking – even for adults. Shop the Gift Guide: Mechanic Soap | Geo Stands | Soft Linen Journal | Vintage Indigo Crane Pouch | Glass Pineapple Ornament | Rose Salve Lip Balm Trio | Trouser Socks | Leather Clip-On Tassel | Vogue Linea Coasters | The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up | Aesop Resurrection Hand Cream #lifestyle

In my family, there are always books involved in our gift giving for the holidays. There is nothing I love more than trying to find the right book for my friends and family. Sometimes I chose a book I’ve already read but other times I go through the shelves of my local bookstore, looking for the perfect book. I also love receiving books and diving head first into them after the frenzy of the season is over. I’ve pulled together a few of my favorite books I’ll be giving this year. If you have any other suggestions, let me know! Happy book hunting. Shop the Gift Guide: A Frame For Life | The Kinfolk Home | Love, Style, Life | Tile Makes the Room | Styled | The Artful Wooden Spoon | Simplicity | Eat, Drink, Nap | Sage Living | Humans of New York | Mix it Up! | Gjelina #lifestyle

Last spring, I had the pleasure of meeting Laurie of Elsie Green House & Home when she was selling her beautiful French wares at the Remodelista market. I immediately felt at home with the items she collected from markets throughout France – stunning monogrammed napkins, restaurant silver, bed linens of natural linen, and incredible rustic cutting boards. We decided for the holidays to have a gathering using her treasures. Nothing says December like having a table with delicious homemade desserts and greenery from the forest. I took a small wreath and placed it on the candlestick for an easy centerpiece. Lately, I’ve been loving a moody table and this one takes me back to my childhood during the holidays. If you have a chance to visit Laurie of Elsie Green at her shop, I promise it won’t disappoint. I left with a huge basket filled with priceless goodies for my home as well as the homes of my clients. Stop by and see the jaw-dropping collection of French antiques and accessories. It’s definitely worth a journey – you’ll find things for yourself and gifts for friends and family. I would be thrilled to have anything in the store and I’m sure you would too. #entertaining

With temperatures considerably colder here in SF – I’ve been busting out my turtleneck sweaters more and more. It feels like the holidays when you have to get all bundled up. Outfit Details: The Waffle Turtleneck in Charcoal by Hatch Collection | Current/Elliot Boyfriend Jeans in Loved | Freda Salvador Booties (similar the Wish Woven Oxford) My go-to outfit of choice has been my Waffle Turtleneck from Hatch Collection. This is an all around cozy must have outfit. I can honestly say that when I get home from a long day, this is what I throw on with a pair of relaxed boyfriend jeans or leggings. To add a little spunk I usually pair it with my Freda Salvador woven booties. Do you have a favorite casual winter look? Photos by Emily Scott for Sacramento Street #style